By Matthew Elder

Copyright scotsman

The Rangers Fan Advisory Board has confirmed that Russell Martin retains the backing of the Ibrox hierarchy following a “full and frank discussion” with club bosses. The group met with CEO Patrick Stewart, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and other club officials on Wednesday where they “forcibly challenged” the decision to continue backing the under-fire head coach in the wake of the club’s worst start to a league season in 47 years. Rangers have failed to win any of their first five William Hill Premiership fixtures and sit in 10th place, nine points behind Celtic and Hearts, who won 2-0 at Ibrox on Saturday to pile further pressure on Martin, who felt the wrath of the fans during and after the match. The former Southampton boss has won only three of his 12 games since arriving at the club in the summer, including a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers. A fan protest organised by ultras group The Union Bears is planned to take place outside the main entrance of Ibrox ahead of Rangers’ Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Hibs on Saturday. Now the fan advisory board have issued an update following their quarterly meeting with senior club management. A statement read: “We had a full and frank discussion this afternoon, lasting more than two hours, with CEO Patrick Stewart, Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell and other club officials. “We reiterated the fans’ collective strength of feeling on the performance of the manager, as well as other issues relating to the men’s first team that continue to cause great concern to the Rangers support. “Nothing was left off the table. We appreciate the club dedicating the full agenda to football matters and answering questions raised. Other items, on wider club issues, will be addressed at a separate meeting in the near future. “The club continues to back the manager – a stance we forcibly challenged. Full minutes of the meeting will be published before the weekend.”